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A variant in the SCN10A enhancer may affect human mechanical pain sensitivity
Guangyou Duan1, Jiaoli Sun1, Ningbo Li1
11 Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.
Molecular Pain
|February 17, 2018
Summary
The SCN10A gene variant rs6801957 influences pain sensitivity. This genetic variation impacts SCN10A gene expression, affecting how individuals perceive mechanical pain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Pain Research
Background:
- Nav1.8, encoded by SCN10A, plays a role in pain transmission and human pain perception.
- Genetic variations in SCN10A may influence individual differences in pain sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional role of the SCN10A variant rs6801957 in regulating SCN10A gene expression.
- To determine the association between rs6801957 and human experimental mechanical pain sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to assess the effect of the SCN10A enhancer A (Enh-A) on SCN10A promoter activity.
- Genotyping and assessment of experimental mechanical pain sensitivity were performed in two independent cohorts of women.
Main Results:
- The SCN10A Enh-A significantly increased SCN10A promoter activity.
- The rs6801957 A/A genotype was associated with decreased mechanical pain sensitivity.
- The mutant rs6801957 A/A genotype suppressed the Enh-A-mediated increase in SCN10A promoter activity.
Conclusions:
- The SCN10A variant rs6801957 and Enh-A are implicated in the regulation of SCN10A gene expression.
- This genetic variant plays a significant role in modulating human mechanical pain sensitivity.
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